Some businesses have been a target on more than one occasion. Ladakins on Montauk Highway in Moriches was robbed twice in two days. "On Columbus day we were robbed at 5:30 in the morning and on the following day at midnight," said Ladakins owner Vinny Booniello. "The first time the criminals came in through the back way and ripped through the canvas that surrounds the catering halls outside dining area. The second time they made their way in by breaking through the catering halls two glass entrance doors on the east side of the building."

        Viva Bakery on Main Street in Moriches is also a two-time victim of the recent crime wave in the area. Owners Idan and Radka Karaskova Beery said the last time they were hit was the night before Halloween. "They broke in through the side and made off with some money that was left in the store. We don't leave money in the store anymore and now I have to wait for my insurance company to fix my window," said Mr. Beery. On the side of Viva's there is a small alleyway between buildings that the Beery's have made into an eating area for customers. The passage way was used by the thieves to smash their way in.

        Another two-time victim is Joe's Americana gas station on Montauk Highway, in Moriches, located across the street from Rainbow Ice Cream and Helen's Flowers, two other businesses that have seen the wrath of this crime wave. "They robbed a quad out of the back and then a few weeks later they broke into the office here," Joe Marino said. "See those two bars right there? They broke the glass in the front and crawled right through those two bars. They caused a lot of damage and stole cartons of cigarettes"

        These thieves have left a feeling of anger, frustration and uncertainty in the area. Some business owners have even put up signs in their windows written directly to those who may be planning on breaking and entering into their establishments, telling possible burglars that there is no money and that their buildings are alarmed.

        John Meehan, commanding officer of the newly formed Suffolk County Seventh Precinct Police Department on William Floyd Parkway in Shirley said, "The department is aware of it. We have committed a tremendous amount of resources toward solving the situation and I am confident that in a short period of time arrests will be made."

        Meehan also said that there are steps people could take themselves to reduce the risk of being the victim of a crime. "In a burglary, obviously the whole object is to do it when and where no one can see. People can take precautionary steps to make the robbers' task that much more difficult and at the same time make themselves less of a target." Some of the suggestions made were to leave lights on inside and install outdoor floodlights to illuminate areas. If there are alternate entrances aside from the main doors, double check to make sure those areas are well secured.

        Although the Seventh Precinct is investigating the rash of robberies, many business owners in the area have already begun taking action to better protect their establishments. Owner Vinny Booniello of Ladakins has installed cameras and now the recorders are always activated. "Now I can see who comes in and out everyday at every hour."

         by: Frank Petrignani